Fall makeup trends

Elizabeth Mitchell is a freelance fashion and beauty writer living in Los Angeles. A graduate of New York University, she regularly contributes to The Fashion Spot, The Luxury Spot and authors the Star Style column for StyleBakery Teen. ...

The face of fall

Fall is coming, and it's time to update your makeup look. Keep on top of all the latest trends with these expert tips and products.

Burgundy lips

“Fall is my favorite time of year for a number of reasons, one of them being that dark lips cycle back onto everyone’s beauty radar,” says Jeannie Vincent, makeup artist and beauty buyer for MissKL.com. If you’re attracted to a darkly-stained pout, but afraid of looking like you’re practicing for Halloween, Vincent suggests grabbing a sheer gloss, like NARS Lip Gloss in Rose Gitane (Nars, $24). “For a little more punch, try a creamy liquid lipstick, and for the most drama, go for a matte pout.”

Barely-there foundation

According to Aussie makeup maestro Napoleon Perdis, the trick to achieving the gorgeous, glowing complexions you see on models and celebrities is using as little foundation as possible. “A sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer will even out your skin tone without creating a heavy mask, which is very aging," he says. "To get your skin in top-notch form, remember to nourish it morning and night with a serum.” And don’t forget -- primer is the key to a flawless finish!

Naturally flushed cheeks

A healthy dose of blush is one of the quickest ways to brighten up and give your entire face a boost, notes Vincent. “Many times, when you find the right cheek color, you realize you need less makeup on other areas of your face. Try putting on blush earlier in your makeup routine (e.g. before you get to your eyes) and you’ll see what I mean,” she says. “My rule is to go bright: pick a color with little-to-no brown in it for the most natural-looking flush and apply sparingly.”

Winged eyeliner

Cat eyes were (not surprisingly) all over the catwalk at the fall 2012 shows. To nail the look at home, grab a liquid or gel liner and line above your top lashes, extending up and out past the outer corner of your eye, suggests celebrity makeup artist and creator of Susan Posnick Cosmetics, Susan Posnick. “Keep the rest of your eyelid clean, and use a matte ivory shadow to even out your skin tone and make your eyeliner look even more precise.”

Expert tip

Use the runways to look for changes -- not just in color, but also in texture -- to update your technique. "Don't ever be afraid to experiment with a new look, and never abandon what makes you feel most comfortable. True beauty comes when a woman finds the delicate balance of creativity, whimsy and self-confidence that her makeup should bring to her daily life!" says Mathew Nigara, celebrity makeup artist.

Makeup tutorial

Quick-and-easy smoky eyes for fall

This tutorial shows you how to create neutral, smoky eyes that are perfect for fall.